Rhythm Basketball (reading)

Music, level: Elementary

Posted Mon Feb 11 17:51:10 PST 2008 by Dennis Cumbow (gtrpkr07@aol.com).
http://www.moonlight.us, Bristol
Materials Required: a chalkboard and paper football
Activity Time: 30 -45 minutes
Concepts Taught: Using quarter and eigth notes

Depending on the knowledge and skill level of students will determine rhythm difficulty.

I start with one measure (4/4) and use a combination of quarter and eighth notes. I also use
quarter rests. Divide the class into two groups. Write a rhythm on the board and teach how to clap
(or use sticks) it out. When the students are comfortable with clapping rhythms start the game.
Write a rhythm on the board, have a student from the starting team come up to the board. Have the
rest of the class pat their legs keeping a steady beat. Count the student at the board off... one two
ready and (1234) on the next beat they clap the rhythm. If they get it right they get to shoot the
basketball. Use the trashcan if necessary. The student can try for 1, 2, or 3 point goals. If student
makes the basket he/she goes to the board and adds to the team's score. Meanwhile you are
erasing and writing another rhythm on the board for the next team. You can also use a paper
football instead of a basketball. Later you can add triplets and sixteenth notes. You can also reverse
and have Aural Rhythm Basketball. This game you play the rhythm on piano and the students write
the rhythm on the board. Good Luck!

Syncopa
Music, level: Elementary
Posted Sun Jul 25 14:26:02 PDT 2004 by Monica Myers (mmyers3@midsouth.rr.com).
Memphis,United States
Materials Required: Instruments will be the drms,recorders, wood instruments, xylophones,
metallophones,glockenspiels,
Activity Time: 40-60 minutes
Concepts Taught: Sycopation-the un-even rhythm

Songs used: "The Canoe Song", "Land of the Silver Birch, "The Eagle".
These songs are practiced and then:
The instrumental groups are placed throughout the room for practice and performance.
Drums and recorders will be grouped together to play the sycopa rhythm.
The other instruments are given a different rhythmic pattern to play as well.
After the songs and the instruments are successful;the other students are given a dance/movement
activity to be participating/involved in during the lesson.
This way every student will be on task for complete success in music.
It is very important that each group changes so everyone will be able to perform every part of this
lesson.
I found that this particular lesson worked better for me in grades 4th-6th.